Castle Hluboká (Czech Republic) Vacation Travel Video Guide

Located in Czech South Bohemia is the small town of Hluboka nad Vlatavu, above which towers a magnificent palace complex, whose history dates back to the 13th century. Today, its white walls hide the somewhat austere history of this former royal castle. It was built to protect the borders of the kingdom. Over time, it had many owners, until in 1490, Vilém of Prstěně began to transform it. In 1562, Emperor Ferdinand I handed the castle and its courtyard to Jakim of Radec. The new owner, and later his son Adam, further transformed the middle-aged fortress into a comfortable Renaissance castle. However, frequent raids and looting followed, and it passed from owner to owner. When the Emperor gave Hluboka to a Spanish general, the castle gradually deteriorated. Only its fortifications were improved. The House of Schwarzenberg followed. The present appearance of the castle was changed during the reign of Johann Adolf II, who visited England several times in his youth, and whose romantic castles deeply impressed him. A conservatory was added, and the castle garden extended. In 1841, Viennese architect Franz Beer was given the task of modernising the castle in the style of English Romanticism. A Bohemian Windsor castle was created, a fairy-tale castle of Tudor, Gothic and Renaissance design. Symbols of weaponry adorn the main gate. Upon entering the large staircase, splendid English perpendicular style is plain to see. Both the prince and princess selected various ideas from English literature, and numerous gifts also adorn the castle, such as this silk curtain from Italy. On the first floor is the princess bedroom, of modest proportions, but with fine tapestries and a pleasing ambience. Tiled stoves were installed in the rooms, and intricate glass paintings adorn this bay window. The east wing contains the lengthy morning room, which is one of the castle's most magnificent staterooms. Comfortable, upholstered seating was ideal for morning conversation. Always under the supervision of the ancestors of the aristocratic family, whose magnificent paintings and portraits decorate the wood-panelled walls. This is the Hamilton's cabinet, laid out with wood panelling, and adorned with Delftware, Venetian crystal chandeliers, wooden doors, and the horse trials of artist Hamilton. Through the smoking room, we pass through the entrance hall, where there is a painting of Princess Pauline, and then to the large dining room. This lengthy area impresses with its huge Brussels tapestries, precious wood wall panelling, carved wooden doors, and splendid framed wall mirrors, as well as the original Renaissance ceiling from Bavaria's Schwarzenberg Palace. Good views of the gardens. Prince Johann Adolf II organised the reconstruction of the castle, while the design of the staterooms was supervised by Princess Eléonore, who had her portrait painted by Hans Macarth. On the short walk to the library is a view of the castle courtyard, with its 52-metre-high castle tower. The great ceremonial hall of the former Baroque palace subsequently became the library. No expense was spared. The bookshelves were acquired from a secularised monastery in Würzburg. A painting of Cardinal Friedrich of Schwarzenberg highlights the family's connections. A reading room of ultimate splendour. Today, the armoury is to be found in the Rondelle. Both armour and weaponry recall the glorious days of past ancestors, when Adolf of Schwarzenberg halted invasion by the Turks in Europe by conquering the Raab fortress in 1598. A violent time when only faith sustained the people. Then, the castle chapel played an important role. The present castle is a creation of the 19th century and demonstrates the splendour of the mighty princes of Schwarzenberg. This family produced bishops, generals, knights and great politicians. They either lived here or were its guests. Schleuburger Castle, a fairy tale in white.